12 questions
Labelling, compliance and certificates
Compliance covers what must be on the label, what substances are restricted and which certificates a buyer asks for. Certificates belong to a specific company and scope, so verify them with the issuer.
What are EU textile labelling requirements?
Textile products sold in the EU must carry a label with the fibre composition using the official fibre names, under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, in the language of the country of sale. Labels must be durable and easy to read.
What is REACH and does it apply to clothing?
REACH is the EU chemicals regulation. It restricts certain substances in textiles, including some azo dyes and metal release from accessories, so suppliers selling into the EU must comply. Ask for test reports when you are unsure.
What is the General Product Safety Regulation for clothing?
Regulation (EU) 2023/988 applies to consumer products sold in the EU, including clothing. It asks for traceability information and a responsible economic operator in the EU, and for products to be safe. Confirm the details for your products with your importer or an adviser.
What are azo dyes and why are they restricted?
Some azo dyes can break down into aromatic amines that are restricted because of health concerns. REACH limits them in textiles, and fabrics are tested to confirm that restricted amines are not released.
What does OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certify?
It certifies that a textile product has been tested for harmful substances. A certificate covers specific articles, and you can check it with the issuer’s verification tool using the certificate number.
What does BSCI or amfori mean?
amfori BSCI is a system for social compliance in supply chains, built around a code of conduct and audits. A supplier taking part has been assessed on working conditions. Ask for the audit status and its date.
What are Sedex and SMETA?
Sedex is a platform where suppliers share ethical trade data, and SMETA is an audit methodology used on it. Buyers use them to review working conditions, health and safety and business ethics.
What is GOTS and when do I need it?
The Global Organic Textile Standard certifies the organic fibre content and the processing of a textile product. You need it if you want to market a garment as organic using that standard.
What are GRS and RCS certifications?
The Global Recycled Standard and the Recycled Claim Standard, from Textile Exchange, verify recycled content and chain of custody. They back claims about recycled materials.
How do I verify a supplier’s certificate is genuine?
Ask for the certificate number and check it with the issuing body. Confirm that the company name, address, scope and validity date match the supplier and the products you are buying.
Does clothing need the CE mark?
Ordinary clothing does not carry a CE mark. The mark applies to categories such as personal protective equipment. Clothing follows textile labelling and chemical safety rules instead.
Do labelling and compliance rules differ by country?
Yes. Label language, origin marking, certificates and product marking differ by market and change over time. Tell us your destination, ask your importer for the current requirements and we will adapt labels and documents to them.
General information, not legal or customs advice. Rules change and differ by country: confirm the details that apply to your shipment with your customs broker or importer.